Frustrated

[kingtut]

Forgive me, but I'm not a mechanic...and to preface, I completely agree-- They'll definetely try to relate this "problem" somehow or another to your clutch. With that said, how could they do that? Meaning, what "clutch-related problem" could be related to grinding in second gear only? In my limited experience, if something's problematic with the clutch, then it can be 'seen' in multiple scenarios, not just within the perameters of second gear. Syncros seem to be a perfectly good explaination for the symptoms your car is showing.

I guess what I'm just trying to say is that I'd hate to see them suceed in their pursuit of dishonesty. Could there be a problem with the clutch (specifically) that would trump any possible transmition correlation without a doubt?? Also, didn't you say the clutch only had a limited amount of miles on it....like 8k or something? If so, isn't that warrantied?

I apologize in advance if I missed something earlier on in this thread....

[Huzer21]

And...once again, I misinterpreted the phone message. To answer the quick questions first. The clutch has 8,000 miles on it, replaced at Mazda of Lakewood in November, 2006. The out-of-warranty portion is because it's over 12 months. As far as the clutch being the source of the problem, I can't really see that without it affected all of the gears. However...

I call Rich to schedule an appointment for the car. I wanted to be as clear as possible before bringing it in that I would not be paying for any labor if the clutch was not the source of the problem. He agreed, but reiterated that he strongly believes it's the clutch, and if any portion of the clutch "system" needs to be replaced, I have to pay for that before they'll investigate the transmission any further. If the problem persists, he'll then look at the tranny, but I'll still be out the $1200 they'll charge for an incorrect diagnosis of the issue. They will NOT reimburse for the labor or anything else. So, I'm back at square 1, as I'm 100% positive that he'll find anything, even the most insignificant amount of glazing, to rule it a clutch issue. The clutch does not slip at all, and I've never smelled any burning clutch, or have noticed any other issues.

Can someone please tell me if I'm out of line, or if I'm missing something???? How can a clutch problem ONLY affect one gear in the entire transmission? Any why are dealers so adamant about not helping with this? (rhetorical) I was also told that powertrain warranty does not call for a rental car, so I'll be out a vehicle when this work happens.

[GR-8]

Wow just wow. Didn't Gateway take the tranny out for free to inspect the problem? (or did they?) Why can't Lakewood do the same thing? and it's true only the Basic warranty will allow for a rental. The powertrain will not. Looks like I will be haveing to fight the same battle with you now seeing as downshifting above 30 mph now is becoing impossible and the shift from first to second is getting worse. Why, oh Why?

[Huzer21]

Gateway never removed anything, nor did they even drive it out of the parking lot. They simply said it was the clutch. The Service manager there said it was slipping and had hot spots. In an effort to keep me away, when I called him back last week, he said his transmission guy is on vacation for a "month, maybe two". The only service manager that has been in (let alone driven) my car is Jimmy/Burt. Coincidentally, he's also the only one that says it's NOT the clutch. It seems my only hope is that Burt (Burt peeps...are you reading this???) will get someone trained so they can work on the car.

And thus far, MNAO has been absolutely, 100%, completely zero help.

[GR-8]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Huzer21 @ Aug 11 2008, 01:57 PM) [url=index.php?act=findpost&pid=59830]<{POST_SNAPBACK}>[/url]</div>

Gateway never removed anything, nor did they even drive it out of the parking lot. They simply said it was the clutch. The Service manager there said it was slipping and had hot spots. In an effort to keep me away, when I called him back last week, he said his transmission guy is on vacation for a "month, maybe two". The only service manager that has been in (let alone driven) my car is Jimmy/Burt. Coincidentally, he's also the only one that says it's NOT the clutch. It seems my only hope is that Burt (Burt peeps...are you reading this???) will get someone trained so they can work on the car.

And thus far, MNAO has been absolutely, 100%, completely zero help.[/b]

Yeah that's what I thought you'd say about Gateway. Just wanted to make sure cause they claim you have hot spots when they didn't even take it apart. Kinda like how Sil Ter stated my clutch was "all torn up" when they probably didn't even have it on a lift yet alone drive it. I mean it's really hard to no notice the grinding even if you were deff.

BURT PLEASE GET SOMEONE TRAINED. PLEASE! FOR US RX-8 GUYS. THIS IS A PROBLEM THROUGHOUT THE RX-8 COMMUNITY WORLD WIDE. MAZDA PUT IN A CRAPPY TRANSMITION. HELP US. PLEASE, OH PLEASE!!!

[AIM WO4]

Alrighty. Are they going to pull the tranny, or not? If they do, It takes very little effort to determine the condition of it or the clutch.

Has anyone drained the tranny to see what comes out? That would be the cheapest first step.

I don't have an RX-8, but I imagine it is a piece of cake to check out the clutch. Anyone?

From there... You move to pulling the tranny. I can't imagine this would be tough with the 8 beaing a RWD car, and the clutch already naked and looking good.

Looking inside the tranny, usually divulges quite a bit.

I dunno... maybe it makes too much sense. Too bad I'm not the mechanic. LOL

[MazdaTom]

Since there is an apparent lack of transmission expertise at any of the Mazda dealers in town, see if you can get a service manager to accept an outside opinion- take it to a transmission shop for an estimate.

And who the hell takes vacation for a month- "maybe two" at a time? Anyone feel like calling up and scheduling some fake transmission work on their car? Ask whichever dealer you call to see if they have anyone on staff that is their go-to transmission guy. Actually Tim, you should call. And if their story about the mechanic changes go: "oh yeah, HI! This is Tim with the RX-8. Glad to hear the transmission expert is back from vacation so he can replace my syncros now under warranty....."

[kingtut]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Huzer21 @ Aug 11 2008, 01:15 PM) [url=index.php?act=findpost&pid=59828]<{POST_SNAPBACK}>[/url]</div>

Can someone please tell me if I'm out of line, or if I'm missing something???? How can a clutch problem ONLY affect one gear in the entire transmission? Any why are dealers so adamant about not helping with this? (rhetorical) I was also told that powertrain warranty does not call for a rental car, so I'll be out a vehicle when this work happens.[/b]

It seems that the right question is being asked here [above]. I'm no help here, so hopefully someone can answer the clutch vs. transmission inquiry.

That's BS about the rental car. As much of an a-hole as I am, you can usually convince the dealership for a rental car if they are going to do the work on your car (which I have done numerous times....it may not be as nice as an Rx-8, but it will be free); regardless of what they try to tell you. Ask for the manager's manager, etc. and get a flippin' rental car provided!

Secondly, this thread (along with anything else you've voiced elsewhere) is enough negative publicity that any dealership worth anything will not like it being spread. Again, this is just me, but if this continues to be a battle (i.e. no rental car after you demand one and this wishey-washey BS about "thinking it's your clutch", no tranney tech, etc. etc....poor customer service) then I would seek the BBB (I've filed numerous complaints online in the past) AND perhaps start up a petetion stating that fellow Mazda owners are appahlled at the poor treatment you've received AND that everyone vows NOT to buy another Mazda. You've got a good 200 people right here ^_^

[Huzer21]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (AIM WO4 @ Aug 11 2008, 02:13 PM) [url=index.php?act=findpost&pid=59832]<{POST_SNAPBACK}>[/url]</div>

Alrighty. Are they going to pull the tranny, or not? If they do, It takes very little effort to determine the condition of it or the clutch.

Has anyone drained the tranny to see what comes out? That would be the cheapest first step.[/b]

Yup, I replaced the fluid about 3 weeks ago now. Some fun little flecks, I still have the original oil in the sealed container. The problem is, and I think I have a right to be pessimistic at this point, is that Lakewood is 100% set on this being a clutch problem. Despite what the "inexperienced" service tech at Lakewood said when he actually drove the car. Rich has already said if they see any signs of issues with the clutch (hey, it's a wear item so there will be some wear) they are automatically replacing that first. No ifs, ands, or buts about it. Then...they are re-assembling everything, driving it, and if that didn't fix it...then he'll pull the transmission out again and cover that under warranty. They will not reimburse for the original screw up diagnosis of them swearing it was the clutch.

As far as taking it elsewhere, Cottman Transmission does a free 21 point tranny inspection, whatever that entails. My car will be going there tomorrow so I can have a written diagnosis from people that have a clue.

[Huzer21]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (kingtut @ Aug 11 2008, 02:26 PM) [url=index.php?act=findpost&pid=59835]<{POST_SNAPBACK}>[/url]</div>

Secondly, this thread (along with anything else you've voiced elsewhere) is enough negative publicity that any dealership worth anything will not like it being spread. Again, this is just me, but if this continues to be a battle (i.e. no rental car after you demand one and this wishey-washey BS about "thinking it's your clutch", no tranney tech, etc. etc....poor customer service) then I would seek the BBB (I've filed numerous complaints online in the past) AND perhaps start up a petetion stating that fellow Mazda owners are appahlled at the poor treatment you've received AND that everyone vows NOT to buy another Mazda. You've got a good 200 people right here ^_^ [/b]

Given the 23 page thread on RX8club.com about this very issue (as well as numerous, numerous other threads) the threat of any negative publicity is worthless. It's a known issue with these cars that Mazda has obviously chosen to work their hardest at denying any warranty work. Their idea is wait long enough and it'll be out of warranty.

[Billman]

Out of curiosity, where is the closest Mazda certified tranny tech?

Would it be worth a road trip to have them diagnose it properly?

[kingtut]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Huzer21 @ Aug 11 2008, 03:03 PM) [url=index.php?act=findpost&pid=59840]<{POST_SNAPBACK}>[/url]</div>

Given the 23 page thread on RX8club.com about this very issue (as well as numerous, numerous other threads) the threat of any negative publicity is worthless. It's a known issue with these cars that Mazda has obviously chosen to work their hardest at denying any warranty work. Their idea is wait long enough and it'll be out of warranty.[/b]

Damn, you got me frustrated already, and it's not even my car! Whatta bunch of @#$%&!@-

[Huzer21]

Just got back from Cottman Transmission. No prompting, all I told the manager was that I wanted a diagnosis. 5 minutes later, the tech comes in and says "2nd gear, right?". Yup, so then they ask me why it isn't being covered under warranty. Ah...this is fun. When I told them that Lakewood told me it was the clutch, the tech and manager laughed and told me to take it to Gateway. When I told them that Gateway said the same thing, they were both just as shocked as I was. So now I have Burt behind me, and Cottman, so it's off to call MNAO yet again. Weeeeeeeeee!

[MazdaTom]

Good luck. Give'em hell!

[SpeedRacer]

shit dude what a PITA